da bureau scatters white stone blocks into footwear concept store in moscow

da bureau constructs a cobalt-blue ribbon to guide customers through the store, which doubles as seating and display.

DA bureau edited by christina vergopoulou September 4, 2024 4 min

Da Bureau Reimagines EKONIKA Showrooms in moscow

In the rebranding of the EKONIKA footwear and accessories chain, Da Bureau developed a new visual concept for the brand’s showrooms, reflecting the shift towards a modern identity aimed at a younger audience. The design concept draws on two central themes: the Mediterranean and antiquity, and industrial aesthetics. These themes are integrated to create a balanced environment that embodies both natural tactility and contemporary industrial elements.

The Mediterranean influence is seen in the use of white stone blocks reminiscent of marble quarries, which are prominently featured in the flagship store in Moscow’s Afimall City Shopping Center. These stone elements, positioned in the center of the space, add complexity and depth to the layout, playing a key role in defining the visual identity of the store. Industrial aesthetics are introduced through the exposure of structural storage systems typically hidden from view. This design choice allows customers to experience the precision and organization of the store’s functional aspects, creating a transparent and engaging shopping environment.

da bureau scatters white stone blocks into footwear concept store in moscow - 1 — all images by Nikita Subbotin – Landon Studio

Dynamic Flow and contemporary feel define The Interior Design

The interior layout of the flagship store is characterized by a cobalt-blue ribbon that winds through the space, functioning as both a seating area and a display platform for featured models. This element, reminiscent of a catwalk, adds a dynamic flow to the store, guiding customers through the space and highlighting key products. At the rear of the store, a shoe storage area is made visible behind an amber glass window, while minimalist shelves around the perimeter display basic models. The store’s entrance replaces traditional facade glass with large-format LED screens set into stone blocks, creating an inviting transition from the shopping center into the store.

The architects also included a new display system that emphasizes a clean, light-filled environment. This approach allows for flexible product placement, drawing attention to trendy models while maintaining a visual rhythm that is easy on the eye. The overall design standardizes the visual identity across EKONIKA stores, with flagship locations featuring more complex accent pieces, ensuring consistency while also allowing for unique expressions in key locations.

da bureau scatters white stone blocks into footwear concept store in moscow - 2 — EKONIKA’s rebranding introduces a modern showroom concept aimed at a younger audience

da bureau scatters white stone blocks into footwear concept store in moscow - 3 — the design blends Mediterranean influences with industrial aesthetics for a balanced environment

da bureau scatters white stone blocks into footwear concept store in moscow - 4 — white stone blocks reminiscent of marble quarries define the store’s visual identity

da bureau scatters white stone blocks into footwear concept store in moscow - 5 — industrial aesthetics enhance transparency and customer engagement within the space

da bureau scatters white stone blocks into footwear concept store in moscow - 6 — exposed storage systems reveal the store’s organizational precision and structure

ekonika-store-da-bureau-designboom-1800-3 — a cobalt-blue ribbon guides customers through the store, doubling as seating and display

da bureau scatters white stone blocks into footwear concept store in moscow - 7 — the dynamic blue element mimics a catwalk, highlighting key fashion pieces

da bureau scatters white stone blocks into footwear concept store in moscow - 8 — minimalist shelves around the perimeter showcase EKONIKA’s basic models

ekonika-store-da-bureau-designboom-1800-2 — flexible product placement draws attention to trendy shoe models without overwhelming the eye

EKONIKA’s flagship stores feature complex accents, maintaining a unified yet unique identity

project info:

name: EKONIKA store

architect: Da Bureau | @da_bureau
design team: Anna Lvovskaia, Boris Lvovskiy, Fedor Goreglyad, Maria Romanova, Vasilii Portnyagin

location: Moscow, Russia

photography: Nikita Subbotin – Landon Studio

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